Landrum has always been in the running for a region championship.
Some may have wondered if that’d still be the case this season as the Cardinals embarked on a new journey – the 2A journey. Often, the change to a bigger classification isn’t met with smiles and roses. Teams that make the jump often struggle.
The Cardinals have been the exception to that rule this season.
Landrum played a brutal early slate as the season began. With a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator, the Cardinals struggled against 3A Broome early, but the light was turning on as they pushed 3A Walhalla to the limit and lost in the final seconds of overtime to Polk County.
Now the Cardinal steam engine is running at full speed and is facing a head-on collision with Chesnee tonight. The Eagles are the new natural rival to Landrum. With both teams located in the northern edge of Spartanburg County, the rivalry makes sense. The other teams are a decent drive. Chesnee and Landrum are as close to neighbors as you can get.
The two will meet tonight, Friday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Chesnee, and a lot will be on the line. Sure, there’s pride and the soon-to-be rivalry, but there’s also an extra layer. When the two teams meet tonight, the winner will be in the pole position for the Region I-2A race.
The Cardinals have been led by a high-powered offense and a staunch defense. Landrum, however, has yet to put it all together for four quarters. Tonight will be a big stage and would be the perfect opportunity for that to take place.
The Cardinals have had strong quarterback play from T.J. Fincher. He’s had weapons that have emerged at receiver in Sam Parsons and Chris Schulman. Peyton McCarter has provided the speed on the edge that the Cardinals have needed. After missing time early, he has emerged in recent weeks.
The Eagles will be a big test. It’ll be an even bigger test since it’s on the road. A win tonight would put the Cardinals right where they have been in most years – in the thick of it for a region championship.